Sorry for the very late post today! I didn't forget, I just got tied up with non-fun things. One of those non-fun things being 5 vaccine shots that I need for my trip to Kenya. Yes, Kenya! Leaving in 2 weeks but anyways, getting back to today's post.

I like to think that one of the best things about living in Annapolis is that it is so close to Washington DC, Baltimore, and Virginia. I say that because Annapolis (1) is this great town that has so many outlets for fun activities, (2) is a historic city, and (3) is close to other larger metropolitan areas which gives way to other outlets for fun activities. And one of my FAVORITE fun activities is going shopping. Only those close to me would know that I have an obsession when it comes to shopping. You might even say that I have a serious problem. But you know what, I LIVE to shop and not just to shop but to find the best deals out there.

Now, I know we've all heard everyone talking about the economy and how we need to make our dollar stretch and I hate to hammer it in even more but you know what? I couldn't agree more. Why should I pay full price on an item when I could get it for 50% off if I do a little more digging? Plus, there's something about getting an item for much cheaper than its retail price. It's like you're beating the system which makes you smarter than the system, at least in my book. And anything that makes me feel smarter is a great addictive feeling.

Any who, getting to the good stuff, which is why you come and read this blog (hopefully!). I have found in my research several amazing resources for finding home furnishings at a great price. Unfortunately, for legal reasons, I cannot list things from Craigslist* or Ebay*, which as many of you know are my best resources, but I can let you in on some great local places. You might have to travel a little bit, but it's worth it for these finds.

Let's start really locally, at least for me haha, in Annapolis. There is a great consignment shop called Echoes and Accents right off of Chinquapin Round Road that sells new and gently used furnishings. I recently got the most amazing coffee table in the shape that I was looking for and got it for only $110!! How impossible is that to believe? Granted, the color was not in the shade that I wanted but with a little 18Kt Gold spray paint, it sure as heck looks like it was made that way.

Here are a few shots of Echoes and Accents to get a little glimpse into their amazingly filled shop.